Rotterdam is located in the province of South Holland, in the southwest of the Netherlands. The city is crossed by the Nieuwe Maas river and is connected to the North Sea by an important port. Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands.
Rotterdam was founded in the 13th century and quickly developed into an important port. During World War II, the city was heavily bombarded and suffered heavy casualties. After the war, Rotterdam was rebuilt and experienced rapid economic growth. Rotterdam is known for its modern and innovative architecture. Iconic buildings such as the Euromast Tower and the Erasmus Bridge are popular attractions for visitors. The city is also home to many museums and art galleries. Rotterdam is an important economic and commercial center in Europe. The Port of Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe and one of the largest ports in the world, making it a hub for international trade. The city is also home to many businesses and financial institutions, as well as high-tech and high-value industries.
Visit the treasures of Rotterdam
As said before, the city contains many museums and art galleries, including the Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum, the Kunsthal Museum and the Witte de With Art Center. Apart from iconic buildings and museums, Rotterdam also offers many other tourist attractions, such as the Rotterdam Zoological Garden, the Markthal indoor market and the historic Delfshaven district.
Getting to and around Rotterdam
Getting there by car
It is easy to get to Rotterdam by car thanks to the A16 motorway which connects many major cities in Europe. Also, the city is located not far from many major cities in the Netherlands. Indeed, Amsterdam is located 1 hour from Rotterdam and The Hague only 30 minutes.
Getting around with Rotterdam's transport network
Rotterdam is well served by public transport, including buses, trams and metros. The city also has an extensive network of cycle paths, making it an easy and pleasant place to get around by bicycle. Rotterdam-The Hague Airport is located about 8 km from the city and offers flights to several destinations in Europe.
Parking in Rotterdam
Parking is possible in Rotterdam, but finding a parking space in the city center can be difficult. Here is some useful information for parking in Rotterdam: Public car parks: There are many public car parks in the city center of Rotterdam. Rates vary depending on location and duration of parking. It is generally cheaper to park on the outskirts of the city center. To be sure to find a parking spot, book it with Parkimeter and save on your trip. Street parking: It is possible to park on the street in Rotterdam, but the prices are generally higher than in public car parks. There are also paid parking zones (parking meters) where parking is limited in time. Reserved parking areas: There are also reserved parking areas for residents of Rotterdam. It is forbidden to park in these areas without a parking permit. It is important to note that there is a low emission zone in Rotterdam (see below). If your vehicle does not meet established emissions standards, you will not be able to park in the Midzone area. It is also recommended to check parking times and prices before parking in Rotterdam, as they can vary depending on location and day of the week. Finally, it's best to use public transport or a bicycle to get around the city if possible, as it can be more convenient and cheaper than parking in a car.
Parking in the Rotterdam Middlezone
There is a low emission zone in Rotterdam called "Milieuzone". This zone was created to improve air quality by limiting the access of polluting vehicles to the city centre. Vehicles that do not meet the established emission standards are prohibited from driving in the low emission zone. It covers the city center of Rotterdam as well as some other districts. It is marked with traffic signs and surveillance cameras are used to identify vehicles that do not meet emission standards. It is therefore recommended to check whether your vehicle meets the emission standards before traveling to Rotterdam, if you plan to drive in the low emission zone area. If your vehicle does not meet emissions standards, it is best to look for other means of transport to get around the city, such as public transport or a bicycle.